The Spain goalkeeper is out of contract in the summer and has already confirmed he will leave the Nou Camp after 12 seasons as the club’s number one.

City and Barcelona share a close relationship – fostered by ex-Barca sporting director Txiki Begiristain, who is now doing the same job at the Etihad Stadium – and the Premier League club are confident of reaching an agreement with Valdes, 32.

Citizens boss Manuel Pellegrini has not always had complete faith in current number one Joe Hart and the England star was dropped for eight league matches earlier in the campaign after some costly errors.

Valdes, who has 20 caps for Spain, has won everything there is to win at the Nou Camp, including three Champions League crowns and six La Liga titles.